Lube, Oil & Filter

How often you change your oil and what type of oil you use are critical to the health of your vehicle....

Oil changes are the single most important aspect of car maintenance. You want to keep your engine well lubricated to run smoother, cooler and with reduced wear between parts. Speedy will help you know when it's time to change your oil and what might be the best type of oil for you. When you are looking for oil changes near you, with over 70 locations from coast to coast, you will find a Speedy Auto Service nearby.

OIL CHANGES NEAR ME

Signs that it might be time for an oil change:

Does your car have problems starting, or does it stall frequently? If so, your fuel filter might be clogged.

If you have trouble getting your car up to high speeds, this could also indicate a partially clogged air filter.

Does the interior of your car smell musty? That's generally an indication that your cabin air filter could be getting clogged.

Dark and dirty looking oil is also a sign that it's ready to be changed.

The importance of clean engine oil

Engine oil serves many useful purposes. The first is that it creates a film between metal surfaces which reduces wear. The second is it acts as a rust inhibitor by neutralizing acids and by keeping additional moisture away from key engine components.

Since the combustion process required to keep your engine running causes heat, motor oil helps transport that heat away to an oil pan where it can cool before being recirculated back through the engine.

Engine oil has one more purpose and that is to clean the motor. It contains detergents that help minimize the build-up of sludge and that isolate harmful carbon particles.

Oil becomes contaminated over time, and when that happens it can break down and become ineffective. Signs of its ineffectiveness may show up in one of the ways listed above.

It's a good idea though to bring your car in for an oil change at regular intervals and before any of these signs appear.

When should I replace my oil?

The answer to this depends on a number of factors such as your vehicle type, the age of your vehicle and what type of driving you do. If you do a lot of city driving, where there is more stop-and-go involved, you will likely need to do it more often.

There is a general rule of thumb however, which is to change your oil every 5,000 kilometers or sooner in severe operating conditions such as lots of rush hour traffic. Speedy can help you to figure out if you should come in before or after that amount.

What kind of oil should you be using?

10W30 and 5W30 are the most common multi-grade conventional oils. The first number represents oil flow in cold temperatures with the lower number meaning it is less thick and therefore flows better. The ‘W' means it can be used in the winter and the 30 represents to how well it flows in warm temperatures.

Although 10W30 is the closest thing to one-size-fits all and is the most frequently recommended, most late model cars recommend 5W30. Be sure to check your owner's manual for what they recommend, especially if your vehicle is under warranty.

What's the difference between synthetic and conventional oils? Is synthetic oil better?

Conventional oil is basically refined crude oil which makes it suitable for vehicle engines. Additives like detergents and dispersants, rust and corrosion inhibitors and anti-wear additives are added to perform their various functions.

Synthetic oil was originally introduced to be used with high performance engines. It performs the same function as conventional oil but it is made for more extreme conditions. Synthetic oil is able to remain stable at high temperatures and fluid at low temperatures which reduces engine wear for a cleaner and more efficient engine.

FILTER REPLACEMENT

Regular filter replacement is inexpensive and can prevent future more costly problems. A quick inspection at Speedy will tell if the oil filter or cabin air filter need to be replaced or not. It's well worth the low cost to change them when needed.

Oil Filter

The purpose of the oil filter is to filter out contaminants such as soot, metal and rust from flowing through the engine. These particles can restrict oil flow and prevent it from doing its job properly.

Fuel Filter

Fuel filters need to replaced regularly (yearly) to prevent sludge and build-up of contaminants which can clog up carburetors and fuel injectors.

Car Air Filter

Air is required as part of the combustion process and a filter is required to keep dirt and other potentially damaging particles out of the engine's cylinders. Regular car air filter replacement will help improve your vehicle's mileage.

Cabin Air Filter

Breathe easy knowing your cabin air filter is protecting you from bacteria, allergens as well as exhaust fumes. Speedy will check it to see if it's ready for replacement.

LUBRICATION

Besides your oil, there are other fluids that are essential to keep your vehicle working efficiently and safely.

Low coolant can cause your vehicle's engine to overheat, which can leave you stranded on a hot day and facing costly repairs. It is important to keep your coolant topped up.

Low or poor quality brake fluids can lead to problems stopping your vehicle which is a major safety concern.

Power steering, Transmission, and windshield washer fluids are also checked.

Lubricants are also applied as needed to universal joints as well as steering and suspension components. Speedy checks under the chassis for any potential problems like leaks, CV boot issues and wear and tear.